5 of the World’s Most Devastating Financial Crises

The Petticoat Duel

Duels were not just limited to men. In 1792 Lady Almeria Braddock took offense at a comment a Mrs. Elphinstone made about her age: according to some reports, Braddock claimed to be not yet 30, while Elphinstone said that she was actually more than 60. The women opted to resolve the spat by dueling in London’s Hyde Park. Both women fired their pistols but missed. The duel could have ended at that point, but the women decided to try their hands at swords. After receiving a wound to her arm, Elphinstone said that she would write a letter of apology.

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  Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
  

Hamilton, Alexander
Alexander Hamilton agreed to fight Aaron Burr in a duel. Burr shot Hamilton on July 11, 1804. Hamilton died the next day.
Beacon Lights of History, Vol. XI, by John Lord, 1902
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had a long and acrimonious relationship. The former treasury secretary openly disliked Burr, and on numerous occasions Hamilton had tried to thwart his political aspirations. Things came to a head in 1804, when Hamilton campaigned against Burr while running for governor of New York. After Hamilton was said to hold a “despicable opinion” of his adversary, Burr, who was then vice president, challenged Hamilton to a duel. Although Hamilton opposed the practice—his eldest son had died in a duel three years earlier—he accepted. The two faced off in Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was shot in the abdomen and died the following day. His death caused outrage, and Burr’s political career was effectively over.

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  “Avert Your Eyes, You Lustful Wretches”
  

One hundred years after the Petticoat Duel, Princess Pauline Metternich and Countess Kielmannsegg had an argument over floral arrangements at a musical exhibition. Understandably, the women decided to duel. Topless. The reason? Any clothing pushed into a wound could cause an infection. The potential injury from a sword was oddly overlooked. With women serving as the seconds and Baroness Lubinska presiding, it was the first “emancipated duel.” After the men had turned their backs, the women began fighting with swords, and each received wounds. As they cried out, the men attempted to provide aid. However, Baroness Lubinska beat them with her umbrella and called them “lustful wretches,” thinking their motives weren’t entirely altruistic.

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